#34: So, how about that Clay Aiken?

[annabear]

She was his PA a while back, couchie. Laughn wrote those cute little "Adventures of..." skits about them. I think they're here on the board somewhere.

ETA: Yep, they're here.

[Couch Tomato]

She was his PA a while back, couchie. Laughn wrote those cute little "Adventures of..." skits about them. I think they're here on the board somewhere.

ETA: Yep, they're here.

duh...I have a hard time with Clay's people. heee.. I feel like I need a speed course to just get up to date on the Jaymes stuff.

I must say that even though he's smiling in many of the pictures, in others he looks rather pensive. I'm not going to put any feelings on him though. I do know it takes guts to keep your head held high. :F_05BL17blowkiss: to Clay. He's had a lot of practice though.

[Ansamcw]

I've had plenty of friends and many wonderful experiences in my life, yet somewhere in the back of my head was a little voice saying where are my people, where are my people. I'm sure that sounds completely batshit crazy, but I've never felt that I've been around people who think like me and I've compromised and understood and been patient with the people in my life, like forever. Anyway, I found my people -- and what do you know, turns out they are Clay Aiken fans. This is something I realized before I ever met even one of you in person. It has nothing to do with traveling or going to concerts or any social thing ... I just found a group of supportive and giving and open-minded people and the glue is Clay Aiken. I needed this moment of self-disclosure. You are my people.

FINally!

AWWWW I am glad to be among your people...I have been nodding so much to most of your posts...I just have to follow you around WORDING you.

AHHHHHHHHHHH...listening to Clay right now, singing The Prayer...wow, what a voice. I think this is why Clay was singing for the President Last Night

TMZ clip...that was hot!!!!

TMZ...TABLOID..they will always cater to the lowest denominator.

BLOGS and tabloid, gossip columnist...I basically don;t care about them...their opinion is NADA to me so I don't even need to read them much less stress about what they are saying. one advice...DO NOT READ EVERYTHING ON YOUR GOOGLE ALERT...just don't go there.

If you need something to make you feel better....listen to OMWH CD...listen to the words of OMWH...very applicable to this situation. I was listening to TRM...and if Jaymes is someone that has accepted the Real Clay...that is a powerful bond. I love this CD and if this controversy is making people listen more to him ...then GREAT.

iseeme, CG...and those that are having trouble with this...I hope you start to feel better and I totally respect that your feelings and emotions are your own. I have no problem with you posting your opinions as long as you don;t have a problem with people posting opposing views. I just have some fundamental differences with you that makes me react differently....

...I really don't care if this story is another "proof" that Clay is gay. Everything about Clay has been used as proof that he is gay...his hair, his eyeliner, his voice, his walk, his interest in special education, Broadway...what else. My attitude is SO WHAT? He is still getting respect for his voice for his music, for his charitable work and is still selling relatively well in this time of bad economy. YES he gets ridiculed...everybody does. Its a sad part of our society today so I just ignore that ugly side cos Clay or his fans can;t do anything about it. The only way he can win is by being himself and not let all the negativity defeat him or control his life.

...IF this is true...I don't see this behavior as contradictory to his wanting a family and children. It actually supports it. I don't think he is a conservative that believes the only valid family is a married man, woman and children. He is surrounded by examples of single women bringing up their kids Angela and Quiana...so I don't see why he wouldn't support Jaymes if she wants to have a child. I also see how he does not need blood relation to consider people family...he has his tour family, his Broadway family...so to him the term family can have many meanings. This guy...I can see doing this. This is about love...creating a new human being that will bring joy to his parents...What is so contradictory about that. Jaymes is a beautiful woman. She certainly does not look 50 and she is exactly the type of woman that Clay would admire and respect. I can see him seeing the qualities he wants in his children in her. I also believe there is profound love between these two...whether that is platonic or romantic...it is still a very strong bond. ALL that helps me be happy and even be excited about the possibility that Clay is a dad.

...I know some people are saying that he should be considerate about his fans...well here is a radical idea....what about consideration for Clay, for Jaymes and the baby. I think in this instance his priority should be Jaymes and baby, Clay, their family and close friends, his career, then maybe his fans and then the general public. So if for whatever reason it is better for Jaymes, Clay and the baby to be quiet about this...then the fans should just understand that. If they are angry about it and wants to leave the fandom...that is their prerogative but Clay cannot be responsible for our happiness. This is really not happening in the fan's lives. Clay is a stranger. If we turn off our computers, don't listen to radio or TV gossip shows, don;t read gossip magazines...this won;t even affect us. The worse things a fan can experience are friends teasing them...so give them a finger or ignore them...but then it need not touch us. BUT this changes Clay and Jaymes life. This will follow Clay all his life so I think they need to figure out how it will be easier for them before thinking about the fans.

...I said that I think they should make a statement about this eventually. This morning I changed my mind about that. Seeing how TMZ is even unearthing the sex of the child, I think the only way they can manage it is zero info coming from their camp. Of course if its not true I think a denial will make the story insignificant. BUT if its true...I think its naive to think that a simple announcement that they will have a baby will stop the media frenzy. That will be just the beginning because if they make a statement they are giving the press a bit and they will keep wanting more and more. They will want to know the HOW, Why, When, Where and even really hound the mother and child once the baby is born. KAndre gave a great example...Jodie Foster. She gives nothing about her private life and its been like that from the beginning...so now the press accepts that and no longer hounds her. I think the other alternative is for Clay to just open their lives up to the press and the fans...and I don't think he will ever want that.

...I don't think this will hurt his career...more and more people are getting curious and checking him out...

...If this is true...I actually have a lot of admiration for Clay and Jaymes. They are not letting archaic conventions...the haters...the paparazzi...the fans...stop them from doing something that will bring them a lot of joy. They are taking their lives in their hands and taking risks. I think Jaymes is very brave doing this. I hope the very best for her.

THIS has made me a bigger fan of Clay...love him and so proud of him.

[djs111]

I just need to WORD! Ansa!

[cha cha trusty]

On a happier note....can't tell you how pleased I am to have been out of town and out of touch, visitng my youngest child in Philly for the past 4 days. It was a great anniversary present to ourselves and I am so happy to have missed the drama known as Clay's life.

Glad you're back, rohdy! And belated Happy Anniversary wishes to you & Mr. rohdy. :F_05BL17blowkiss:

rohdy - how great that you got to spend 4 days visiting your daughter in Philly!! I'm so glad you worked it out. Are you going to post about it inthe FM thread?

How about that Clay Aiken?? Maybe he'll wear his new tux tonight on Broadway......... :F_05BL17blowkiss:

[keepingfaith]

Clay is not alone in media persecution and gay rumor. Go ask Tom Cruise or Richard Gere. From what I've heard Tom Cruise has for years had a PR operation that deals aggressively with accusations and rumors including threats of lawsuits and denial of interviews and invitations. Did that quelch the public perceptions? Were the adoption of his children with Nicole Kidman, or the birth of his daughter with Katie Holmes spared the sick jokes? He's considered weird and bizarre and sexually ambiguous, and has probably spent a sizeable fortune on publicists to counter these perceptions. He threw his money away. People still think what they will. And people still believe those sick stories about Richard Gere, and I know very little about him other than he was married to Cindy Crawford at one time. And when they married, people who were so invested in the gay stories about him were cracking about her sexuality as well. You can't fight it and win. You can't reach into somebody's brain and expunge gossip and innuendo.

I think Clay grasped the realities of the rumor mill early on. The NE didn't start the gossip about Clay. It started when people picked up on some of his mannerisms as being feminine from the very beginning of American Idol. Clay has spoken to that. He understands it. He's unapologetic. He's got big balls.

[Couch Tomato]

I've had plenty of friends and many wonderful experiences in my life, yet somewhere in the back of my head was a little voice saying where are my people, where are my people. I'm sure that sounds completely batshit crazy, but I've never felt that I've been around people who think like me and I've compromised and understood and been patient with the people in my life, like forever. Anyway, I found my people -- and what do you know, turns out they are Clay Aiken fans. This is something I realized before I ever met even one of you in person. It has nothing to do with traveling or going to concerts or any social thing ... I just found a group of supportive and giving and open-minded people and the glue is Clay Aiken. I needed this moment of self-disclosure. You are my people.

FINally!

How did I miss this. It's beautiful.

[rohdy]

On a happier note....can't tell you how pleased I am to have been out of town and out of touch, visitng my youngest child in Philly for the past 4 days. It was a great anniversary present to ourselves and I am so happy to have missed the drama known as Clay's life.

Glad you're back, rohdy! And belated Happy Anniversary wishes to you & Mr. rohdy. :F_05BL17blowkiss:

rohdy - how great that you got to spend 4 days visiting your daughter in Philly!! I'm so glad you worked it out. Are you going to post about it inthe FM thread?

Ooooo.....I think I should, Chacha! Thanks.

And thank you Annabear.....it was a really nice anniversary. And wait until you hear about the gift I (kinda) got!!!

[djs111]

Clay is not alone in media persecution and gay rumor. Go ask Tom Cruise or Richard Gere. From what I've heard Tom Cruise has for years had a PR operation that deals aggressively with accusations and rumors including threats of lawsuits and denial of interviews and invitations. Did that quelch the public perceptions? Were the adoption of his children with Nicole Kidman, or the birth of his daughter with Katie Holmes spared the sick jokes? He's considered weird and bizarre and sexually ambiguous, and has probably spent a sizeable fortune on publicists to counter these perceptions. He threw his money away. People still think what they will. And people still believe those sick stories about Richard Gere, and I know very little about him other than he was married to Cindy Crawford at one time. And when they married, people who were so invested in the gay stories about him were cracking about her sexuality as well. You can't fight it and win. You can't reach into somebody's brain and expunge gossip and innuendo.

I think Clay grasped the realities of the rumor mill early on. The NE didn't start the gossip about Clay. It started when people picked up on some of his mannerisms as being feminine from the very beginning of American Idol. Clay has spoken to that. He understands it. He's unapologetic. He's got big balls.

Amen! And all the calls for carefully worded interviews are really failing to grasp this point, IMO - NO ONE can really really change perceptions, because some people just really get off on this stuff, and because no one can really control what everyone else thinks. I can't think of one single publication or interview that would be worth the bother. Why dignify the crap. Heeee......maybe we can have a P.R. mud-wrestling match on TV, though, that would be fun to watch. Because that is all it is. I kinda think the calls for giving interviews or statements are really just a personal desire to hear Clay address this. Since it never has worked out well before, ya know.

Hi, Hiker, I see ya down there!

I can't get into any conspiracy theories on this because it is not like some "dark forces" could have staged this.

[keepingfaith]

Glad you and Ansa didn't miss it, Couchie. Ya'll are leaders of my people!

[Gibby]

I've had plenty of friends and many wonderful experiences in my life, yet somewhere in the back of my head was a little voice saying where are my people, where are my people. I'm sure that sounds completely batshit crazy, but I've never felt that I've been around people who think like me and I've compromised and understood and been patient with the people in my life, like forever. Anyway, I found my people -- and what do you know, turns out they are Clay Aiken fans. This is something I realized before I ever met even one of you in person. It has nothing to do with traveling or going to concerts or any social thing ... I just found a group of supportive and giving and open-minded people and the glue is Clay Aiken. I needed this moment of self-disclosure. You are my people.

FINally!

How did I miss this. It's beautiful.

From CV - at least People used a purty pic!

People.com has a picture from yesterday:

'CIVIL' AFFAIR

With iPod in hand, dad-to-be Clay Aiken gets ready to perform for President Bush and the First Lady at the Ford's Theatre gala in Washington, D.C., on Sunday. The American Idol star (whose baby with music producer Jaymes Foster is due in August) performed a song from the Broadway musical The Civil War at the event.

Also - CV has a recent pic of Jaymes, which confirms that she is, indeed, pregnant. She looks really good! I'm not sure I want to bring it over here - just seems invasive to be posting it everywhere.

[wandacleo]

I truly don't understand anyone letting someone give them a hard time over Clay or feeling bad about it.

NO ONE gives me a hard time about anything unless they're already running.

You only get shit in life if you're willing to take it.

[Ansamcw]

Gibby...can you just give us a link to where it is. I find it hard to navigate around CV.

[playbiller]

I am happy to read here today, Word to a lot of people.

I just don't understand how she is wearing heels. I almost never wear then unless I am dressed up - comfort first

[luckiest1]

Also - CV has a recent pic of Jaymes, which confirms that she is, indeed, pregnant. She looks really good! I'm not sure I want to bring it over here - just seems invasive to be posting it everywhere.

Is it a public pic? Please don't make me go over there to find it if so.

[Ansamcw]

I am happy to read here today, Word to a lot of people.

Wow she is looking great...I guess the pregnant detail is confirmed.

[annabear]

Here's a link to the pic in my photobucket account.

Here's a Youtube link to the supposed Clay/camera incident - I can't make anything out of it. *shrugs*

Oops! Too late!

[Ansamcw]

Here's a link to the pic in my photobucket account.

Here's a Youtube link to the supposed Clay/camera incident - I can't make anything out of it. *shrugs*

Oops! Too late!

Ok...I may be weird but that TMZ clip just makes him seem like such a star! Its good that he was wearing a tux...adds to his stature

[playbiller]

I should have added this emoticon under the picture, or would that be in bad taste seeing as i don't really care the origin.

Or maybe I can sit here watching my computer self distruct

The mouse is dying onmy floor, I don't know why, it was running pretty fast last night. Maybe a heart attack or a stroke. I don't want to give it CPR, I just covered it with a box. The dog has lost interest with it now that it is just wriggling and not running at top speed. I really don't want to kill it, but it seems cruel to leave it to die.

[KAndre]

Oh, those are barely heels!

Hell, I was three times her size at 7 months...

[Cotton]

I just read the Bo Diddley piece and found two statements very intersting!

Rock pioneer Bo Diddley dies at age 79

*************

By RON WORD, Associated Press Writer

Bo Diddley, a founding father of rock 'n' roll whose distinctive "shave and a haircut, two bits" rhythm and innovative guitar effects inspired legions of other musicians, died Monday after months of ill health. He was 79.

Diddley died of heart failure at his home in Archer, Fla., spokeswoman Susan Clary said. He had suffered a heart attack in August, three months after suffering a stroke while touring in Iowa. Doctors said the stroke affected his ability to speak, and he had returned to Florida to continue rehabilitation.

The legendary singer and performer, known for his homemade square guitar, dark glasses and black hat, was an inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, had a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame, and received a lifetime achievement award in 1999 at the Grammy Awards. In recent years he also played for the elder President Bush and President Clinton.

Diddley appreciated the honors he received, "but it didn't put no figures in my checkbook."

"If you ain't got no money, ain't nobody calls you honey," he quipped.

The name Bo Diddley came from other youngsters when he was growing up in Chicago, he said in a 1999 interview.

"I don't know where the kids got it, but the kids in grammar school gave me that name," he said, adding that he liked it so it became his stage name. Other times, he gave somewhat differing stories on where he got the name. Some experts believe a possible source for the name is a one-string instrument used in traditional blues music called a diddley bow.

His first single, "Bo Diddley," introduced record buyers in 1955 to his signature rhythm: bomp ba-bomp bomp, bomp bomp, often summarized as "shave and a haircut, two bits." The B side, "I'm a Man," with its slightly humorous take on macho pride, also became a rock standard.

The company that issued his early songs was Chess-Checkers records, the storied Chicago-based labels that also recorded Chuck Berry and other stars.

Howard Kramer, assistant curator of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland, said in 2006 that Diddley's Chess recordings "stand among the best singular recordings of the 20th century."

Diddley's other major songs included, "Say Man," "You Can't Judge a Book by Its Cover," "Shave and a Haircut," "Uncle John," "Who Do You Love?" and "The Mule."

Diddley's influence was felt on both sides of the Atlantic. Buddy Holly borrowed the bomp ba-bomp bomp, bomp bomp rhythm for his song "Not Fade Away."

The Rolling Stones' bluesy remake of that Holly song gave them their first chart single in the United States, in 1964. The following year, another British band, the Yardbirds, had a Top 20 hit in the U.S. with their version of "I'm a Man."

Diddley was also one of the pioneers of the electric guitar, adding reverb and tremelo effects. He even rigged some of his guitars himself.

"He treats it like it was a drum, very rhythmic," E. Michael Harrington, professor of music theory and composition at Belmont University in Nashville, Tenn., said in 2006.

Many other artists, including the Who, Bruce Springsteen and Elvis Costello copied aspects of Diddley's style.

Growing up, Diddley said he had no musical idols, and he wasn't entirely pleased that others drew on his innovations.

"I don't like to copy anybody. Everybody tries to do what I do, update it," he said. "I don't have any idols I copied after."

"They copied everything I did, upgraded it, messed it up. It seems to me that nobody can come up with their own thing, they have to put a little bit of Bo Diddley there," he said.

Despite his success, Diddley claimed he only received a small portion of the money he made during his career. Partly as a result, he continued to tour and record music until his stroke. Between tours, he made his home near Gainesville in north Florida.

"Seventy ain't nothing but a damn number," he told The Associated Press in 1999. "I'm writing and creating new stuff and putting together new different things. Trying to stay out there and roll with the punches. I ain't quit yet."

Diddley, like other artists of his generations, was paid a flat fee for his recordings and said he received no royalty payments on record sales. He also said he was never paid for many of his performances.

"I am owed. I've never got paid," he said. "A dude with a pencil is worse than a cat with a machine gun."

In the early 1950s, Diddley said, disc jockeys called his type of music, "Jungle Music." It was Cleveland disc jockey Alan Freed who is credited with inventing the term "rock 'n' roll."

Diddley said Freed was talking about him, when he introduced him, saying, "Here is a man with an original sound, who is going to rock and roll you right out of your seat."

Diddley won attention from a new generation in 1989 when he took part in the "Bo Knows" ad campaign for Nike, built around football and baseball star Bo Jackson. Commenting on Jackson's guitar skills, Diddley turned to the camera and said, "He don't know Diddley."

"I never could figure out what it had to do with shoes, but it worked," Diddley said. "I got into a lot of new front rooms on the tube."

Born as Ellas Bates on Dec. 30, 1928, in McComb, Miss., Diddley was later adopted by his mother's cousin and took on the name Ellis McDaniel, which his wife always called him.

When he was 5, his family moved to Chicago, where he learned the violin at the Ebenezer Baptist Church. He learned guitar at 10 and entertained passers-by on street corners.

By his early teens, Diddley was playing Chicago's Maxwell Street.

"I came out of school and made something out of myself. I am known all over the globe, all over the world. There are guys who have done a lot of things that don't have the same impact that I had," he said.

Guess I just see Clay connections everywhere!

[jmh123]

RIP Bo Diddley. My father's BFF was a huge Bo Diddley fan and used to play his records for us whenever we went to visit them. That was back in the 50s and 60s but he remained a fan for life.

[cha cha trusty]

Here's a link to the pic in my photobucket account.

Here's a Youtube link to the supposed Clay/camera incident - I can't make anything out of it. *shrugs*

Oops! Too late!

That's 13 seconds of titanium right there. :7: :mockery-046:

[playbiller]

Check your Youtubes, disgusting sites are linkingto mine again.

[cha cha trusty]

Check your Youtubes, disgusting sites are linkingto mine again.

How do you stop that?